Alternative Systems of Medicine

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine which has been used as a system of diagnosis and health care for over 3,000 years. The acupuncturist inserts fine needles into your body at specific points with the aim of restoring the balance of energy believed to be vital for your physical and mental well-being. Sterile needles are used and treatment is perfectly safe when carried out by a fully qualified practitioner. The needles are inserted and left for 20-30 minutes.

Acupuncture is used for pain relief and for a range of physical and emotional problems, including anxiety and depression, insomnia, schizophrenia, obesity, opium, cocaine and heroin dependence, alcohol dependence, pre-menstrual tension, excess secretion of saliva and tobacco dependence.

British Acupuncture Council

63 Jeddo Road
London W12 9HQ

Phone: 020 8735 0400
Email: info@acupuncture.org.uk
Website: www.acupuncture.org.uk

UK's main regulatory body for the practice of acupuncture by professionally qualified acupuncturists. Publishes an Annual Register of Practitioner Members.

Referral/how to contact: Phone, write or email for a free list of local practitioners or see their website.

Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture

Fine needles are inserted into specific points around the outer ear. Mainly used for stress management, relaxation and as a general tonic.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic (which means 'science of life') is the traditional medicine of India. The practitioner will combine disciplines including nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and massage to rebalance the body and prevent disease.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on the principle of 'like cures like'. In other words, an illness or problem can be cured by a substance that can cause the same syptoms or effects in a healthy or unaffected person.

Most homeopathic remedies are derived from herbs or minerals which might be poisonous at normal strength but are diluted with water to the point that they are practically untraceable and are therefore completely safe. You can buy homeopathic remedies over the counter, but since remedies should be individually tailored for your particular needs it is probably advisable to visit a qualified homeopath.

There are five NHS homepathic hospitals in the UK, including the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, Great Ormond Street, WC1 (020 7837 8833). Several thousand medical doctors across the country are qualified in homeopathy, so check with your GP practice leaflet or talk to the practice manager. Homeopathic medicines can be made available on prescription within the NHS. Speak to your doctor if you want to be referred to homeopathic treatment.

British Homeopathic Association

Hahnemann House
29 Park Street West
Luton LU1 3BE

Phone: 0870 444 3950
Fax: 0870 444 3960
Email: info@trusthomeopathy.org
Website: www.trusthomeopathy.org

Information for people wanting to find a homeopathic practitioner. Includes a register of accredited doctors, pharmacists, dentists and other practitioners. Campaigns for more homeopathy in the NHS and gives advice on getting NHS homeopathic treatment.

Copleston Centre - Complemetary Therapy Workshops

Copleston Road
London SE15 4AN

Phone: 020 7732 3435
Fax: 020 7635 9522

The Copleston Centre provides a range of Complementary Therapies as part of the Mental Health Development Project, to help promote mental health awareness and improve mental health and well-being.

Team of professional, qualified therapists offering a variety of holistic treatments including Aromatherapy, Body Massage, Homeopathy, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology.

Referral/how to contact: Phone for further details. Self referrals accepted but you have to fill in a Community Opportunities referral form.
Costs: Complemetary therapy sessions available to organisations at negotiable rates.
Open times: Office hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm.
How to get there: Rail: East Dulwich or Peckham Rye.
Buses: 12, 40, 176, 185, 312, 484 or P13 to door.
Other Info: The Copleston Centre also runs other activities, has a café, and has full disabled access.

Society of Homeopaths

11 Brookfield, Duncan Close
Moulton Park
Northampton NN3 6WL

Phone: 0845 450 6611
Fax: 0845 450 6622
Email: info@homeopathy-soh.org
Website: www.homeopathy-soh.org

Contact details for professional homeopaths in your area. General info on homeopathy. Publishes a Register of Homeopathy twice a year. Phone for further details.

Open times: Office: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has existed in China for over 5,000 years. It sees the human body as an entire and unified 'organic whole' with a network of meridians connecting and co-ordinating with all of the internal organs. TCM may include practices such as herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, and tuina (deep massage). Treatments can offer some relief from depression, stress and anxiety.

Gateway Clinic

Gateway Clinic, Lambeth Hospital
108 Landor Road
London SW9

Phone: 020 7411 6151
Fax: 020 7411 6173
Email: dominique.joire@lambethpct.nhs.uk

The Gateway Clinic is the only Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic in the NHS. It promotes preventative health care and positive health practices through a variety of alternative disciplines including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Qi Gong classes and dietary and lifestyle advice. The clinic also provides a service for mental health treatment.

Area served: Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.
Referral/how to contact: Open access ear acupuncture drop-in 5 days a week. GP referral needed for a consultation for body acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine.
Open times: Mon-Fri 8.30am-11.30am & 1pm-4pm.
Other Info: Member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAC) and Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).